Significant Sporting Events Program open for organisations

Significant Sporting Events Program

Sport and Recreation Victoria have released the Significant Sporting Events Program which helps sporting, community and event organisations to deliver significant sporting events in Victoria.

The fund supports events that are national or international focus or have regional significance and are recognised by a relevant sporting body.

There are three types of grants that are available for organisations that apply:

Event Assistance Grants (maximum $20,000)

Available to event organisers seeking funding support to assist with general operational costs associated with hosting events.

Strategic Event Planning Grants (maximum $20,000)

Available to State and National Sporting bodies to assist with the development of sport strategic event plans that seek to identify future events that could be hosted in Victoria, and the requirements for doing so.

Event Development Grants (maximum $150,000)

Available to develop or expand events, or for events with high operational costs (typically more than $200,000).

Eligibility

The following organisations are eligible for funding:

  • National sporting organisations
  • State sporting associations
  • Regional sports assemblies
  • Local government authorities
  • Sport conference organisers
  • Local sporting clubs and associations
  • Private event organisations
  • Not for profit organisations
  • Venues

In addition, to be eligible for funding applicants must be an incorporated body, cooperative or association (including business associations) and possess an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be financially solvent.

The Significant Sporting Events Program is available to sporting events that are national or international in focus, or have regional significance, and are recognised by a relevant sporting body.

These events may include, but are not limited to:

  • international or national open/youth/masters events
  • one-off international or national sporting matches
  • sports conferences / sports forums.

Football has required funding from the government for a long time and this is a great opportunity for the big federations to get involved and help with operational costs for their biggest events.

Applicants are required to submit their applications at least six months prior to the event.

Funding for Round 6 is currently open and applications close on the 30th of June with the outcome confirmed in August.

For full details and to apply, click here.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

Kylian Mbappe UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifier

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.

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